Curious about how biologists catch and study birds, especially owls? Join us for an exciting evening as host Doug Inkley demonstrates banding saw-whet owls—a rare chance to see one of these tiny nocturnal predators up close!

PVAS Host: Alex Pellegrini

Base rate of $10/person to cover cost of volunteer banding operations. For ages 10 and older. All youth must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required and limited to 15 participants.

PVMN Continuing Education Credit Eligible

Saw-whet owls (Aegolius acadicus), the smallest owls in eastern North America, are known for their distinct ‘toot-toot-toot’ call, which you might hear during the program. After a brief orientation on arrival, you’ll get an inside look at the scientific research and banding operations that help biologists learn more about these fascinating migratory birds.

The program fee is $10.00 per person. This helps subsidize the cost of the saw-whet owl banding equipment and supplies, which is paid for out of pocket, as the program is 100% volunteer-operated and supported. The higher levels in the suggested donations help cover PVAS administrative costs.

Please note that in case of inclement weather, such as high winds, fog, or rain, we will notify you by email by 3:00 pm on the day of the event. Like all birding, there is no guarantee the birds will cooperate, thereby enabling us to see one! However, we will nonetheless learn about the study.

Don’t miss this chance to learn about these wonderful creatures in a fun and educational setting!

• Walking Distance: Minimal (~200 feet)
• Pace/Activities: Essentially an outdoor class.
• Exposure: This event is held outdoors in the evening and is likely to be cold. Please bundle up!
• Terrain: Asphalt and gravel
• Restroom: A restroom (Porta Potty) is available onsite
• Parking/Where to Meet: Meet at the Brigadier General Samuel Garland, Jr. Marker Trailhead Parking.  This is a parking lot for the Appalachian Trail. Here is the link to its location on Google Maps. At the parking lot we will consolidate participants to car pool to the site, which has limited parking.

Register Here!

Registration will remain open until the start of the program.

If the required minimum # of people do not register by 4 pm the evening prior, the program will be cancelled.

Read our pricing structure & policies.

About Alex: Alex Pellegrini is an avian ecologist based in Maryland. He earned his B.S. from Towson University in 2022, double-majoring in Conservation Biology and Animal Behavior. As the Farmland Raptor Program Coordinator with the Maryland Bird Conservation Partnership, Alex leads statewide efforts to expand nesting opportunities for American Kestrels and American Barn Owls, while also studying Short-eared Owls with a focus on taxonomy, behavior, and conservation across Maryland.

He also works as an avian research technician at Patuxent River Park, where he monitors Osprey nesting success, studies Sora migration, and operates a MAPS songbird banding station.

Beyond these roles, Alex manages datasets for Operation Osprey, serves on the Maryland/D.C. Records Committee of the Maryland Ornithological Society, and is a lead bander at the Project Owlnet station in Frederick. He is also involved in several international collaborations, including the Global Owl Project and the International Short-eared Owl Working Group, supporting research on owl taxonomy and migratory connectivity.